One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!)

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is my go-to when I need comfort food fast. It’s creamy, garlicky, and made with pantry staples in just 20 minutes. I cook the pasta right in the sauce, which means less cleanup and more flavor in every bite. Whether I’m making a quick dinner for myself or feeding the whole family, this recipe never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and satisfying this dish is. Everything cooks in one pan, which saves me time and dishes. The sauce is made with milk, garlic, and Parmesan—rich but not too heavy. I can customize it by adding protein or veggies, or I just keep it simple when I need a quick weeknight dinner. It’s fast, flexible, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)

• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups milk (whole preferred, but any kind works)

• 1 cup water (or just enough to cover the pasta)

• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Optional: 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream (for extra creaminess)

• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or basil

Directions

1. I start by heating butter or olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. I add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn.

2. I pour in the dry pasta, milk, and just enough water to barely cover the pasta. I give everything a good stir and bring it to a gentle boil.

3. Once boiling, I reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently. The pasta cooks while the liquid reduces into a creamy garlic sauce.

4. When the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has thickened, I stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

5. If I want the sauce extra creamy, I add a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream and stir until smooth.

6. I serve it hot, topped with fresh parsley or basil if I have it.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a veggie boost. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon all work beautifully with the creamy garlic sauce. For a spicier version, I sprinkle in red pepper flakes. I’ve also used gluten-free pasta and almond milk with good results when I need to adapt it.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of milk and warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to bring the sauce back together. The texture stays creamy if I don’t overcook it during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use non-dairy milk in this recipe?

Yes, I’ve made it with almond and oat milk. Just make sure to choose an unsweetened version so the flavor stays savory.

Will this work with gluten-free pasta?

It does, but I stir more frequently since gluten-free pasta tends to stick. I also keep an eye on the liquid level since it absorbs differently.

What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

I’ve used Pecorino Romano or even grated mozzarella in a pinch. The flavor changes slightly, but it still turns out creamy and delicious.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, I just use a larger pot and adjust the cooking time slightly. I make sure the pasta is always covered in liquid during the first stage.

Is the cream cheese or sour cream necessary?

Not at all, but I love the added richness it gives. I skip it when I want a lighter version or don’t have it on hand.

Conclusion

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the ultimate quick comfort food. It’s rich, flavorful, and made in a single pan in just 20 minutes. Whether I dress it up with extras or keep it simple, it always hits the spot. It’s a recipe I come back to again and again when I need something easy, creamy, and completely satisfying.

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